Smashing alternative for GWS midfielder Steve Coniglio

IN another life, Stephen Coniglio could have been batting along side superstar Chris Gayle for the Sydney Thunder tonight.

The Greater Western Sydney midfielder spent years playing representative cricket for Western Australia, and even braved a few lethal spells from NSW and Australian quick Pat Cummins during an Australian championships.

Coniglio didn't look out of place as he and GWS teammates Tom Scully and Callum Ward visited a Thunder training session ahead of their BBL clash with Adelaide at ANZ Stadium.

The Thunder and GWS have more in common than they realise. They both struggled in the Big Bash League and AFL respectively in their first seasons. And both are trying to win the hearts and minds of Western Sydney.

Coniglio said it was up to both teams to keep moving forward and learn from their experiences.

"They struggled last year, we struggled last year, but there is hope, and all we can do is take little steps and always strive to be better," Coniglio said.

"For a while I thought about (pursuing) cricket, but I'm happy in the AFL. I still watch cricket every day, and it's great to interact with these guys."